The Ultimate Guide to Buffalo, New York

When people ask me where I’m from and I tell them, New York, they usually assume I’m referring to the Big Apple. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that there is a lot more to New York State than just NYC (not to put NYC down because I think it’s one of the coolest places in the world, but Buffalo isn’t far behind!)

I was born & raised in Buffalo, New York, and hate to say it, but I grew up with very little appreciation for my hometown. It took me moving away to develop an admiration for this incredible city that I happily call home.

Since COVID-19 hit, I’ve found myself back in Buffalo again after five or so years of living in different cities & countries. As much as I’ve loved the different places I’ve been lucky enough to live in, it definitely feels good to be back! And for the first time since I’ve started this travel blog, I’ve been in Buffalo long enough to touch on all of the amazing things I love about this city. So with that being said, I’d like to present my ultimate Buffalo, New York guide.

A Little Background Information on Buffalo

Buffalo is the second-largest city in New York State (after NYC of course.) However, at the turn of the century, it was the 8th largest city in the whole country! Buffalo’s claim to fame? Your first thought might be the chicken wing, and you’re not necessarily wrong, but before the famous Buffalo Wing came along, people were flocking here because of the natural wonder of the world, Niagara Falls. Because of Niagara Falls, Buffalo was an extremely wealthy city at one point. In the early 1900s, it was home to over 60 millionaires, making it one of the top locations for the very rich. And thanks to The Falls, Buffalo was one of the very first electrified cities in America.

Today, Buffalo may not be at the top of the “wealthiest cities in America” list, but the charm and character of this place will never dissipate. Buffalo has beautiful architecture, incredible food, we’re home to renowned art galleries, as well as our very own Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Buffalo without a doubt, has plenty to offer!

The Best Time To Visit

I wish I could say the weather in Buffalo is perfect and beautiful all year round, however, that would be the farthest thing from the truth. A bit closer to the truth would be saying “experience all four seasons in one day.” Buffalo does thankfully have some beautiful seasons and prime times to visit though!

Late Spring: May-June

I’ve personally experienced snow in Buffalo as late as April. However, May & June tend to be pretty reliable for beautiful, comfortable weather. Days are generally sunny and clear with high temperatures ranging between 65-75 degrees. This is a great time of the year to visit our beautiful waterfront, take day trips and hikes to local surrounding areas, and enjoy the gorgeous, blooming, spring flowers throughout many of the neighborhoods.

Summertime

Summer in Buffalo is my personal favorite! I do however favor the warmer temperatures. Highs can occasionally reach above 90 degrees but more normally average between 75-80. Summertime usually means a different event every weekend ranging from food festivals to art fairs. Farmer’s markets are scattered around the city, and free outdoor concerts can be easily found. Visiting Buffalo during the summer means never needing to worry about being bored!

Early Fall: September- October

Buffalo is an undeniably great place to visit in the late summer- early fall as well. September highs average at 70 degrees meaning there are still numerous beach days to be had, and Buffalo has its fair share of fun beaches and lake views. If you prefer a bit of a cooler climate, October days usually range in the comfortable high 50s, which is perfect for sightseeing the architecture of different neighborhoods, hanging out in eclectic coffee shops, or sipping on a bold red in a wine bar.

Where To Stay

Buffalo has plenty of unique accommodation options and a great variety of locations to stay in. If you’re looking to have a memorable experience while visiting Buffalo, I would recommend staying somewhere that either caters to the history or charm of our city. . . or maybe both! My top three picks definitely have a distinctiveness about them & may very well be different than any other accommodation you’ve previously stayed in.

1. Hotel Henry

The building that is now known as Hotel Henry was built in 1872 and officially opened in 1880- not to hotel guests, but to the critically insane. That’s right, Hotel Henry use to be an insane asylum! The asylum was abandoned in 1974 and after 40 years of neglect, it has now been transformed into one of the hippest hotels in the area. If the incredible architecture of the building doesn’t do it for you, maybe the first-class cocktail bar, beautiful lounge areas, farm-to-table restaurant, and complimentary guided tours will. I absolutely recommend a stay, or at the very least, a visit to Hotel Henry. However, I can’t guarantee you won’t encounter any spooky activity!

2. Curtiss Hotel

Curtiss Hotel is sleek, chic, and swanky all in one place. Located in our downtown area, Curtiss is extremely close to some of the best restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues that the city has to offer. However, you won’t actually need to leave the hotel if restaurants, bars & nightlife is what you’re looking for. Curtiss houses Chez Ami, an elegant restaurant with an impeccable menu and the only revolving bar in the area. Take the elevator up and you’ll enter VUE Rooftop Lounge, where you can drink the night away with stunning 360-degree views of beautiful Buffalo, New York. One of my personal favorite features of this hotel is their “urban hot spring experience”, a year-round indoor-outdoor pool which is a perfect place for relaxing after a long day of exploring the city.

3. The Mansion on Delaware

The Mansion on Delaware may very well be one of my architecturally favorite buildings in all of Buffalo. During the time it was built in 1869, Delaware was home to plenty of mansions and wealthy residents. It was actually nicknamed “Millionaires’ Row.” The home was originally built for Charles Sternberg, who passed away before it was completed. It was bought and sold a couple of times, operating as a hotel & restaurant until the 1980’s when it was left vacant and decaying. In 2001, after a $2.7 million renovation, it reopened as the luxurious, boutique experience, Mansion on Delaware, and in 2011 was inducted in the Historical Hotels of America.

When In Buffalo

There is so much to actually see, do, and eat in Buffalo you could spend weeks here and not be able to fit it all in. But for anyone on a tighter time restraint, hopefully, this guide will help you pick through the things that sound most interesting (and delicious) to you.

Must See:

Buffalo City Hall

One of the most iconic buildings you’ll see while visiting is our City Hall, located in downtown Buffalo. This is a 32-story art deco building completed in 1931. On the 25th floor, there’s an observatory deck where the public can go to see one of the best panoramic views of Buffalo!

Millionaires’ Row AKA Delaware Ave

Delaware Ave is one of my favorite streets in all of Buffalo. I touched on some history previously in this post, but there is so much to this beautiful avenue lined with incredible mansions of the once very wealthy. I suggest starting around Gate Circle and walking or driving down Delaware towards downtown. You will pass by some of the most beautiful former homes in all of Buffalo.

Renowned Art at Albright Knox Art Gallery

Albright Knox is the sixth oldest public art institution in the United States, founded in 1862. Besides all of the incredible exhibits inside of Albright Knox, the surrounding areas are also beautiful! The art gallery is currently under a multi-million dollar construction project and will reopen to the public in 2022. If you visit before then, it is still absolutely worth walking around the neighborhood as it’s a lovely part of Buffalo.

The Buffalo Philharmonic at Kleinhans Music Hall

If you’re a fan of classical music, this one is not to be missed! Kleinhans has an international reputation as one of the finest music halls and to experience the Buffalo Philharmonic playing here is something very memorable. Tickets start as low as $29 and if classical music isn’t your thing, you can also find pop & rock concert options at Kleinhans.

A Show at Shea’s Performing Arts Center

Whoever said you needed to go to NYC to see a Broadway show? You can do that right here in Buffalo, NY! Shea’s opened in 1926 and originally showed silent movies. Today, you can see some of the best touring musicals and Broadway hits around. This iconic performing arts center is located in bustling downtown Buffalo.

Hoyt Lake

Located in Delaware Park, Hoyt Lake is the perfect place for a scenic walk. The full walk around Hoyt Lake is just over a mile and you’ll have prime views of the Albright Knox Art Gallery. If you work up an appetite or are in need of a drink, The Terrace at Delaware is a great place to stop and the patio even overlooks the lake.

A Buffalo Bills Football Game

If you happen to be visiting Buffalo during football season, you would be gravely missing out if you didn’t attend a Buffalo Bills game. Yes, I’m aware we’re not the greatest team in the league. However, our ability to throw a memorable tailgate is undeniably the best! It’s a fun, exciting experience that will show you another side of the city & its residence. . . .one I’m sure you’ll never forget!

Japanese Gardens & The Buffalo History Museum

Right across from Hoyt Lake & the Albright Knox you’ll find the beautiful Japanese Gardens of Buffalo. Completed in 1974, the Japanese Gardens represent a gesture of sistership between Buffalo, NY and Kanazawa, Japan. It is beautifully designed with hundreds of plants, a beautiful lake, and three small islands connected by bridges. Neighboring the Japanese Gardens is the Buffalo History Museum, which is the only surviving structure of the Pan-American Exhibition of 1901 and will fascinate any history buff.

Incredible Murals Throughout The City

Buffalo has become home to some amazing murals over the past couple of years. They continue to pop up all around the city and if you’re lucky enough to stumble upon one, you will definitely be impressed. Some of my favorites around the city are located in the following areas:

Top Left: “Greetings From Buffalo” Located at Ellicott St & St Michaels Pl

Top Right: “Mark Twain & John Lewis” Located in Lombardo’s Parking Lot

Bottom Left: “Downtown Flower Mural” Located at 465 Washington St

Bottom Right: “Lookin’ Good” Located at 1472 Hertel

At the corner of Michigan St & East Ferry is an incredible mural commissioned by Albright Knox, called The Freedom Wall. The wall is made up of twenty-eight civil rights leaders and each one of these individuals played an exceptional roll in African American history. As we have seen from the devestating recent events in our country, there is still a long road ahead of us to reach equality & justice for all. This wall, however, is a beautiful representation of the amazing strides that have happened so far.

Must Do:

Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin House Complex

Frank Lloyd Wright was a famous architect, interior designer & educator who took a major interest in Buffalo. There’s a total of seven Wright structures throughout the city! One of the most well-known in Buffalo, and of his entire career, is the Darwin House located in the historic Parkside neighborhood. Either a one-hour or two-hour tour can be taken and there is even a photography specific tour! If architecture or design is an interest of yours, this will not disappoint.

Stroll Through Elmwood Village

Elmwood Village is an extremely special part of Buffalo. Here you will discover amazing restaurants, fun bars, beautiful homes, and funky local shops. Anyone who visits Buffalo should at the very least, take a stroll down Elmwood Ave. and have lunch at one of the many amazing restaurants.

Check Out One of The Great Lakes

As long as you’re not picky about which one it is! Buffalo sits right on Lake Erie, the 4th largest of the Great Lakes, and it is a huge part of what makes our city so incredible. Whether you’re into sailing, fishing, kayaking, or just lounging on the beach, I think it’s safe to say most Buffalonians would consider themselves lucky to live near a Great Lake.

Visit The Naval & Military Park

Located in Canal Side is Buffalo’s very own Naval & Military Park. Here you can view up-close decommissioned Navy ships and aircrafts. Tours are offered for the USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, and the submarine USS Croaker. Right next door to the Naval Park is Liberty Hound, a great restaurant & bar with outdoor seating and awesome views of the ships.

Kayak on the Waterfront

The Buffalo waterfront has so much to offer! Something that could not of been said just a handful of years ago. But thankfully, the waterfront has drastically changed and now it’s a deeply loved area of Buffalo. Something on everyone’s summer to do list is renting kayaks and spending the day out on the water. There are a couple different companies that offer this service- BFLO Harbor Kayak, Elevator Alley Kayak, or if you want to try something a little different, there’s Water Bike Adventures.

Walk the Bird Island Pier

The Bird Island Pier is a break wall path that separates the Black Rock Channel from the Niagara River. The path is 3.5 miles long and runs directly under the Peace Bridge, which leads to Ontario, Canada. My suggestion would be to time it so that you’re finishing your walk around sunset. The views are absolutely beautiful!

Take a Buffalo History River Tour at Canal Side

Interested in learning some history of our incredible city? You can educate yourself while also enjoying a day out on the water. Buffalo River History Tours offers quite a few different options depending on your interests, lasting between 1.5 and 2 hours. This is also a great way to get a different perspective of Buffalo.

Local Shopping on Hertel Ave

Hertel Ave went through a makeover in recent years and has become one of the most happening areas of Buffalo. Home to some incredible culturally diverse restaurants (you can find everything from Italian to Middle Eastern) a century-old movie house, and really unique local shops, Hertel Ave has a little something for everyone!

Visit Nature Tifft Preserve

If you’re a fan of nature and the outdoors, this one is for you! Nature Tifft is a 264-acre nature preserve, which happens to be one of the largest in all of New York State. Here, you’ll find miles of trails and boardwalks, a cattail marsh, rare bird species, and so much more!

Must Eat:

Specific To Buffalo

The first couple things that come to mind are specific to the Buffalo area & I’d highly recommend trying them while you’re in the city (chances are you won’t get them anywhere else!)

Sponge Candy

I personally think Fowlers is the best! but you’ll be able to find it in most candy shops and grocery stores. The best way to describe it is chocolate-covered honeycomb toffee.

Beef on Weck

Numerous restaurants in the Buffalo area have their own “famous” beef on weck (roast beef on a kimmelweck roll.) I still think Anderson’s does it the best. Don’t forget to add horseradish!

Loganberry

You can find this dark red, non-carbonated drink in most supermarkets & restaurants. It comes from an actual hybrid blackberry/raspberry and is extremely popular throughout Western NY.

Ted’s Footlong Hotdog

Ted’s hotdogs are by far the greatest & no one will ever be able to change my mind. They serve up delicious sahlen’s footlongs traditionally charcoal-broiled and topped with your favorite condiments.

Stuffed Banana Peppers

I’m not sure if stuffed banana peppers are specific to Buffalo, but I can be sure that we probably do them the best! I’ve always loved the peppers at Wellington Pub located on Hertel Ave.

Buffalo Wings

And then of course there’s the famous Buffalo Wings. This is undoubtedly what Buffalo is known for and it’s unlikely you’ll enter many restaurants that don’t have wings on their menu. One of the key ingredients to the traditional Buffalo Wing is Frank’s Hot Sauce, which is now sold in grocery stores all over the world! (I managed to find it in both England & Australia.) Some of the most highly rated wings in Buffalo are:

Duff’s Famous Wings

It has “famous” in the name for a reason. Duff’s has been around since 1946 and has made a serious name for its self over the decades. Barak Obama even dined here while visiting Buffalo!

Anchor Bar

Sporting the tagline “Home of The Original Buffalo Wing,” Anchor Bar is a Buffalo classic, proclaiming to have the “Best Wings in the World.” This is the place locals bring their out of town guests.

Gabriel’s Gate

Located in Allentown, Gabriel Gate is a local staple of Buffalo. People rave about their wings! They are very highly rated, reviewed, and loved by everyone that tastes them.

Buffalo Restaurants Worth Mentioning

Now that we have those covered, it’s worth mentioning that there’s still a slew of restaurants you’ll want to eat at when visiting the Buffalo area. These, I promise you can’t go wrong with:

For Sushi: Kuni’s & Wasabi

Kuni’s is probably the top-rated sushi restaurant in Buffalo and I was extremely impressed with it myself. My old reliable will however always be Wasabi. They do an awesome 2-roll lunch special and their prices you can’t beat.

For Pizza: La Nova & Bocce Club

I lived in NYC for over three years and I still rate Buffalo to have some of the BEST PIZZA EVER. La Nova and Bocce Club both serve up an incredible pie and are extremely well- respected in the Buffalo area.

For Soul Food: Je Ne Sais Quoi

Serving up everything from catfish and chicken to mac n cheese and greens, Je Ne Sais Quoi is super tasty and very reasonably priced. It’s absolutely perfect for the comfort food cravings.

For Tacos: Lloyd’s & La Davina

Lloyd’s started off as the cities most popular food truck and eventually opened up shop on Hertel Ave. There’s usually always a line and its understandable why. Personally, I love their quesadillas but when it comes to tacos La Davina is the most authentic and tasty to me.

For Southern Cooking: Toutant

Known for their buttermilk fried chicken and pour over cocktails, Toutant has made a name for itself since opening in 2015. Their dishes are high-quality, authentic, and will leave you coming back for more.

For Italian: Santasiero’s

There’s a ton of highly rated Italian restaurants in Buffalo. Santarsiero’s, in my opinion, is very underrated. It’s a no-frills restaurant that serves up meals you would swear your little old Italian grandmother cooked. And you never have to worry about them being skimpy on the portions!

For Indian: Taj Grill

Taj Grill is consistently delicious and authentic. They have a very extensive menu with all of the traditional Indian dishes, full of flavor and just the right amount of heat. (They always ask you how spicy you’d like your meal.)

For Fine Dining: Hutches, Tempo, & Buffalo Chop House

If you’re looking to wine and dine, any one of these restaurants will surely impress. Hutches does an American take on the French Bistro with everything from tenderloin to jambalaya. Tempo, their sister restaurant located in Allentown, specializes in Italian fare. And last but not least, Buffalo Chop House is “the” place to go to for steaks, chops, and a five-star dining experience.

For Mediterarian: Natalie’s & Kosta’s

Natalie’s is more Lebanese focused and Kosta’s is more Greek focused, however, they both serve up delicious, good quality, and reasonably priced food. Also, the rice pudding at Natalie’s is a must-try!

Great Day Trips from Buffalo

One of the best things about our city is its close proximity to so many incredible surrounding areas. Buffalo is located right on the border of Ontario, which makes neighboring cities in Canada very accessible. There’s plenty of places to go for day hikes & day trips within just an hour’s drive. If you visit during the winter months and you enjoy skiing, we have the perfect place for that too. Here are some of my absolute favorite day trips from Buffalo:

Ellicotville

Located just a little over an hour outside of Buffalo, is Ellicottville, home to Holiday Valley Sky Resort. Although Holiday Valley may be the main thing attracting people to the small village, Ellicottville has so much charm and character to offer. If you’re a skier visiting Buffalo during the winter months, this will be the day trip for you! If you’re visiting during any of the other seasons, Holiday Valley offers other fun activities too.

Niagara Falls

A Buffalo trip isn’t complete without visiting Niagara Falls. It’s a natural wonder of the world and has an estimated 30 million visitors each year! I personally visit at least once a year and it fascinates me every single time. I highly suggest visiting the Canadian side vs the American side as the views are just outstanding! And be sure to give yourself at least a full day. There’s so much ground to cover and even fun attractions to do, including Maid of the Mist & Cave of the Winds.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

I fear that many people who visit Niagara Falls don’t also visit Niagara-on-the-Lake. They are seriously missing out! Niagara-on-the-Lake is about a 30 minute drive from The Falls and is one of the most charming towns you’ll visit. Between the incredbile wineries, the quaint 19th century buildings, and the beautiful, very well kept up flowers throughout the town, this place will steal your heart!

Toronto

Just about 100 miles north of Buffalo is Canada’s most populated city, Toronto! It’s a dynamic place with soaring skyscrapers, incredible shopping, beautiful parks, and a wildly fun nightlife scene. Buffalo is a perfect combination of small & big city vibes, but if you’re craving something a little grander, then Toronto is definitely worth a visit as well!

Letchworth State Park

Letchworth is a New York State Park located 60 miles east of Buffalo. The park spans over 14,000 acres and is home to some beautiful waterfalls, walking trails, stunning nature views, and even an awesome restaurant, just in case you work up an appetite. One of the best times to visit is in the fall, as you can’t beat the beautiful foilage.

So there you have it, folks! The ultimate guide to beautiful Buffalo, New York. I am very proud to call this city home and I have definitely enjoyed my time re-exploring all of the wonderful things I love about living here. I hope this post has given you some ideas and inspiration if you’re planning on visiting Buffalo, or maybe sparked some initial interest if it’s a place you hadn’t previously thought of visiting. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below & thank you for reading. Happy travels!